Using a Mailbox address for registering .COMs

[ChrisWeaver]

Hi,

I (like most people) don't want my home address listed on WHOIS and I don't want to use the proxy mail forwarding that certain resellers offer, so is this a valid (and legal) thing to do:

I already own a mailbox (*not* a postoffice PO BOX) with Mailboxes Etc. Can I use this as the contact address for all the registrant/admin contacts (with my real name of course)?

The problem I foresee is that if I ever needed to prove with a utility bill or whatever that I live at that address, of course I couldn't.

Is it possible using the (using a Tucows/AAAQ resellers) web control panel to change all these details without proving my identity with documents? If so then can't I provide my mailbox address during registration, then if I want to change ownership or sell the domain go online and briefly change it to my real address for the duration of the transfer?

Hope someone can make this absolutely clear, I've had several conflicting responses when contacting different resellers.

Chris.

 

[esger]

Originally posted by -RJ-
If you search Google you can find a number of places offering free or low cost voicemail phone numbers. I finally gone one myself after getting one too many phone calls.

Thanks RJ!

I'm getting many phone calls too! Graphics, hosting etc.
I'll try to find one of these free or cheap voicemail phone numbers.

But i'm from Quebec/Canada... Seems most of these providers are in USA...

 

[Dave_Z]

Just be sure you can access your domain account
anytime (meaning keep your username/id & password
safe!). That way, you can change the details at will.

One reason why valid contact info is needed is if you
need to send a fax to validate your request. Since
domain registrars really have no idea if the person
sending it is legit, they base the contact info from
their domain's WHOIS record.

But again, as long as you have your log-in info, you
normally won't have to send proof of identity to
your registrar.

You can always input whatever mailing address,
email address, and phone number you want as long
as your domain registrar can reach you.

If your domain registrar does reach you via phone,
email, or mail, then respond as soon as possible
so your domain won't get into trouble.

Feel free to ask more!

 

[eSology]

Originally posted by davezan

You can always input whatever mailing address,
email address, and phone number you want as long
as your domain registrar can reach you.

Valid whois information is suppose to be used. Sure, I see alot of bogus info out there but for me and my house we will play by the rules.

 

[AdoptableDomains]

For now, I use all my own info. I have considered using less personal but legal contact info. There are legal ways to keep your private info private and still comply with whois requirements.

Name: You can start an LLC, partnership, or corporation just to hold the domain names. The domain can be listed with this entity as owner. Personal names can be accessed publicly from (in the US) the secretary of state where you filed, but with a little more difficulty.

Address: You can list a PO Box, or even your work address, as long as you can be reached there by mail. The only junk mail I've gotten has been from NSI an DRA, but I do has some reservations about my home address being so accessible.

Phone: If you just want privacy, you can use a phone forwarding service, answering service as mentioned or even get an 800 forwarding service (like kall8.com) if you are willing to pay for a few calls. I DO want a valid number listed since I get occassional offers to purchase via the whois phone number. The problem I see with using cell numbers is the potential cost of calls.

Fax: A fax is normally optional anyway, but you can get an efax number for free or cheap that you can access via email conversion from your inbox.

Email: My worst problem is email spamming from the whois list. However, I do want to be contactable for offers and renewals. The spam protection will work to protect spam, but alls could thwart potential offers. I just have a separate email for whois that I whitelist the registrars domains and filter for potential good offers or bad spam.